sirens and cigarettes

an unsent letter to Northeast Portland

Hi,

I know we haven't been on good terms lately, Northeast Portland. I have made some very critical remarks regarding your behavior recently. Don't worry, you are still my favorite part of Portland -- and we can still try to win Sam Adams' love by ignoring panhandlers and not smoking at Max stations every now and then...

I know that you do your part to better Portland with your affordable housing and convenient public transportation... but you've been hanging out with a pretty rough crowd these days, and I don't really like your friends. And well, the truth is... I don't feel safe with you anymore.

The police breaking up a loud domestic disturbance next door used to be a novelty, something I could laugh and write about. But lately the cops have been coming around in larger groups with bigger guns drawn.

And what the hell is with all the sirens? My god, I get it. People drive fast. They sell drugs. They get in fights sometimes. But do you have to let me know every time something happens? When did you become so clingy?

As to your earlier question about me cheating on you with Eugene: I don't know how you didn't see it coming!

Kait

p.s. Please don't take your feelings of insecurity and rejections out on me. We're going to be living together for a few more months and I don't want this to be awkward...

"let's see how close we can dance without touching"
-ibopa